There is growing tendency to enclosed, tandem or side-by-side gyroplanes.
The newest constructions like ZEN1 by Aviation Artur Trendak,
or Cavalon by Auto-Gyro GmbH have monocoque, safety cage like cabins.
The helmet is not of much use in this case, but 4 point seat belts are a must.
There have been several accidents of the kind described above, where
the machine cartwheeled, but the pilot within the cabin remained uninjured.
On top of that, in ZEN1 the fuel tank is within the safety cage,
away from the engine and it's parts, so never heard of fire after
any incident with this type of machine.
Open frame gyroplanes are another story, helmet is a must,
also with a good visor rather than goggles.
When you fly a gyrocopter, you grin all the time,
and visor protects not only your eyes, but also your teeth.
